FAA to Reduce Flights at 40 U.S. Airports
Several Canadian travellers heading to the United States face potential flight cancellations and delays as the ongoing U.S. government shutdown continues to strain the country's aviation system.
Impact on Canadian Travellers
Although international flights are exempt from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plan to cut air traffic by ten percent at forty of the busiest U.S. airports, Canadians could still experience disruptions due to the wider effects of the shutdown.
FAA Flight Reduction Plan
The FAA announced on Wednesday that it will reduce flights by ten percent across forty major airports, including hubs in New York City and Chicago. The measure begins Friday with a four percent cut, gradually reaching ten percent by mid-November.
Reason for the Reductions
"Due to a lapse in funding, the FAA is not responding to routine media inquiries."
The agency explained that the action aims to maintain travel safety as unpaid air traffic controllers show increasing signs of fatigue during the 37-day shutdown. The FAA stated that the decrease in flight operations is essential under current circumstances.
Government and Media Response
CBC News reached out to both the FAA and the U.S. Department of Transportation for further comment but has not received any response. The situation remains fluid as the longest government shutdown in U.S. history continues to impact the aviation sector.
Major Affected Airports
- New York City
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
Author’s summary: The FAA will temporarily cut air traffic at forty U.S. airports, creating ripple effects for Canadian travellers amid the prolonged U.S. government shutdown.